Bob Bromley

Thank you, committee. I’ll call the committee to order. What is the wish of the committee? Mrs. Groenewegen.

I understand that. They have a very aggressive time schedule and I’m hoping we’re able to meet that. These are big questions and we’re going to have to be light on our feet here. Thank you for that information.

Does our government intend to participate in the National Energy Board final argument public hearing on the Mackenzie Gas Project scheduled for April 2010 in Yellowknife and Inuvik? If so, again I’m wondering how we will be involved.

The reason I’m asking these questions beyond the time frame is the order of events that happen is critical through transparency. I think the final deadline...

Does the GNWT intend to file a submission with the National Energy Board on or before February 11th, 2010, that responds to the Joint Review Panel report and recommendations and, if so, how will we involve the MLAs and the public in the preparation of this submission? That’s February 11th. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to follow up with a few more questions about the Joint Review Panel process and the government’s plans. I am squeezing these in on a Friday because there is a very aggressive table. It is a schedule that is laid out by the Joint Review Panel for the public to participate in the response. My first question is to the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources -- and this is following up my Member’s statement -- will the GNWT prepare a financial analysis of the implementation costs of the Joint Review Panel recommendations? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not asking about committees here; I’m asking for transparency to the public. There is the potential for this consult to modify process to be completely in confidence and thus remove the ability of the public to participate meaningfully. So I’m asking for a commitment from the Minister to ensure that if they are submitting to the Joint Review Panel in this consult to modify process, that those documents be put on the public registry with all the other documents that have had to be put on the public registry to date so that the public can be informed. Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Tabled Document 62-16(4) and would like to report progress. I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

I think the public certainly would appreciate more details on how the GNWT intends to proceed on this so that they can have their participation and input and at least be aware of what’s going on. Does the GNWT intend to invoke the consult to modify process with the Joint Review Panel regarding the modification or rejection of any recommendations? You know, the public would like to know if that’s happening. If we intend to modify, will we be using that mechanism? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Menicoche.

As the panel said, if you can’t do it all, don’t do it. Without the money, we can’t do it. I am calling on the government to ensure that if this project is to go ahead, we are able to meet the key recommendations and we must meet all of the responsibilities and get the revenue deal we need to do it. As I have said, we must carry out on the process in an open and transparent manner to involve our public and share in their ideas. I will be asking the Minister of ENR questions as the lead agency. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. We are moving now to Mr. Ramsay.